Demographic changes threaten the future of Puerto Rico. The population is shrinking and aging fast. Puerto Ricans are abandoning their homeland after decades of high unemployment rates, violence and sub-par government services. One of few remaining colonies in the world, Puerto Rico has the demographic characteristics of a developed nation, but with an economy of a developing country. The combination of demography, economy, and political status represents a time bomb that will destroy the island if left unattended.